Green for Greene Graduates 15 Trainees, Boosting Local Green Workforce

Fifteen residents completed free environmental job training through Green for Greene, gaining certifications for careers in environmental cleanup and safety.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Jun 30, 2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 on Friday celebrated the graduation of 15 students from the City of Springfield’s Green for Greene program, an environmental job training initiative funded by an EPA Brownfields Job Training Grant.

The program, which has trained over 300 individuals since its launch in 2016, provides no-cost training for residents of Springfield and surrounding counties, including Christian, Taney, Stone, Webster, Dallas, and Polk. The latest class marks a continued investment in workforce development and environmental revitalization.

“Brownfields job training programs enhance EPA's mission by equipping individuals to restore clean land throughout our region,” said Stan Walker, supervisor of EPA Region 7’s Brownfields Redevelopment and Reuse Branch. “By training hundreds of students in environmental remediation, the program not only opens doors to well-paying jobs, but also ensures that these graduates contribute directly to revitalizing the communities they call home.”

Carmen May, program supervisor for Green for Greene, emphasized the impact of the training. “More than 300 individuals have taken advantage of this no-cost training, which offers numerous credentials and leads to higher-paying job opportunities,” she said. “In short, this program changes the trajectory of people’s lives.”

The Green for Greene program offers training in various environmental fields, including hazardous waste operations, asbestos abatement, lead and mold remediation, and chemical safety. Participants can earn multiple industry-recognized certifications, preparing them for long-term careers rather than temporary contract work.

Earlier this year, the EPA announced a $500,000 Brownfields Job Training Grant to the City of Springfield to support the expansion of the program. Green for Greene prioritizes unemployed and underemployed residents, veterans, and individuals with prior justice system involvement.

The EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Grants are designed to help communities affected by brownfield sites by preparing residents for jobs that support cleanup and redevelopment efforts. These green jobs contribute to cleaner environments and stronger local economies.

For more information, visit the Brownfields Grant Fact Sheet Search page or the Green for Greene program.